Quick and easy sugar cookies made with just three pantry ingredients—no eggs required! These 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. With their buttery flavor and delightful sweetness, they will become your go-to treat in no time!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- How to Make {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
- Step 3: Add Flour and Vanilla
- Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Step 5: Flatten and Add Sprinkles
- Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Step 7: Cool Before Serving
- How to Serve {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- Cookie Sandwiches
- Ice Cream Topping
- Festive Platters
- Gift Packaging
- How to Perfect {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Reheating {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies last?
- Can I add chocolate chips to these easy sugar cookies?
- What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
- Are these sugar cookies safe for kids?
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just three pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up without a long shopping list.
- No Eggs Required: Perfect for those who may be allergic to eggs or simply want a quicker recipe.
- Versatile and Fun: Customize with sprinkles for festive occasions or enjoy them plain for a classic taste.
- Quick Preparation: From mixing to baking, you can have fresh cookies ready in under an hour!
- Perfectly Crunchy Texture: Enjoy the balance of a crunchy exterior with a soft center—ideal for dunking in milk.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious sugar cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process, ensuring your butter and sugar blend well.
- Cookie scoop: Helps you form uniform dough balls, resulting in evenly baked cookies.
- Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy base for your cookies while ensuring they bake evenly.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils (optional, but recommended)
How to Make {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, use your electric mixer to beat together the butter and 2/3 cup sugar. Mix until well combined. The mixture might feel slightly gritty; this is normal.
Step 3: Add Flour and Vanilla
Gradually add in the flour. Mix until fully incorporated. If you’re using vanilla extract, blend it into the mixture at this stage.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. Once shaped, roll each ball in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, lightly coating them before placing them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Flatten and Add Sprinkles
Using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass, flatten each dough ball slightly. If you’re adding sprinkles, press them gently on top so they stick. The flattened dough should be about 3/16-inch thick.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until you see slight golden edges on the bottoms.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your freshly baked sugar cookies!
How to Serve {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
These delightful sugar cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the sweet flavors.
Cookie Sandwiches
- Spread a layer of frosting or whipped cream between two cookies to create delicious cookie sandwiches. Add sprinkles for an extra touch.
Ice Cream Topping
- Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping that adds texture and sweetness.
Festive Platters
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with fresh fruit or other desserts for an inviting dessert table at gatherings.
Gift Packaging
- Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as homemade gifts. Add a personal note to make them special!
How to Perfect {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
To achieve the best results with your sugar cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Room temperature butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
- Don’t over-bake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be slightly golden at the edges but soft in the center.
- Chill dough if needed: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add almond extract or citrus zest for unique flavor variations.
- Store properly: To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Best Side Dishes for {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
While these sugar cookies shine on their own, pairing them with delightful side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue
- Melted chocolate served with strawberries or bananas pairs beautifully with sugar cookies for dipping.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait
- Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside your cookies for a refreshing treat.
- Coconut Macaroons
- These chewy treats complement the buttery flavor of sugar cookies perfectly.
- Mini Cheesecakes
- Individual cheesecakes provide a rich contrast to the lightness of sugar cookies.
- Coffee or Tea
- A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the overall experience while enjoying sugar cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect batch of sugar cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using too much flour: This can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accurate measuring.
- Not softening the butter: Cold butter will not mix well, resulting in uneven dough. Make sure your butter is at room temperature.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t let the dough rest, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for a short time if possible.
- Overbaking: Cookies can go from perfectly baked to burnt quickly. Start checking them a few minutes before the suggested time.
- Neglecting to flatten the dough balls: Leaving them in ball form will result in round cookies instead of nice, flat ones. Gently flatten each ball before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (149°C). Bake cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie for about 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies last?
These cookies can last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add chocolate chips to these easy sugar cookies?
Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Are these sugar cookies safe for kids?
Yes! These {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies are simple and safe, making them great for kids’ baking activities.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit any additional salt from the recipe to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
These {3-Ingredient} Easy Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With just three ingredients, they are quick to whip up and perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts to suit your taste preferences!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the simplicity of these 3-Ingredient Easy Sugar Cookies, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! With just three pantry staples—unsalted butter, sugar, and all-purpose flour—these cookies are quick to prepare and require no eggs. Their buttery flavor and satisfying crunch make them an instant favorite for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a cozy night at home. Enjoy them plain or customize with sprinkles to add a fun festive twist. In under an hour, you can have a batch of warm, freshly baked cookies ready to share or savor all on your own!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and 2/3 cup sugar until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour until fully incorporated; add vanilla if desired.
- Form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in remaining sugar before placing on baking sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly and press sprinkles on top if using.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are golden; cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
